Obituary published on Legacy.com by Heritage Funeral Home - Andover on Oct. 15, 2025.
MARSHALL, DONNA SUE "SUSI", 71, passed away peacefully at her home in Rose Hill, Kansas, on October 9, 2025, with her loving husband by her side.
Susi was born on August 2, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, to Donald Wayne and Betty Ann (Flaming) Holbrook. Her early years were spent in Wichita before the family settled in Belle Plaine, where Susi grew up surrounded by small-town warmth and close-knit friendships. She attended Belle Plaine High School and proudly graduated with the Class of 1972. During her school years, Susi's bright energy shined-she ran track, cheered on her classmates as a cheerleader, and filled every room with laughter and life.
After graduation, Susi began her career working in electronic assembly at Instrument Flight Research, then later at Cessna and Boeing in composite layout. She also spent time at Wesley Medical Center before finding a special place working alongside her sister-in-law at Wichita Radiological Group. Through every role, Susi brought her steady work ethic, eye for detail, and warm spirit that made every workplace a little brighter.
In the early 1970s, Susi's life changed forever when she was set up on a blind date with David Marshall through mutual friends. The two went to a movie that night-and from then on, they were inseparable. Their love story became one built on laughter, friendship, and unwavering devotion. They were married on January 22, 1977, and soon after began building their life together.
In 1978, they bought their first home in south Wichita, later settling in Rose Hill in 1985, where they raised their two sons, Eric and David. Family was always at the center of Susi's world. She loved watching her boys grow up, cheering them on at soccer games, and seeing David coach them from the sidelines. Family camping, fishing, and boating trips-especially at Big Hill Reservoir-became cherished memories that she held close to her heart.
Over the years, Susi worked for the Rose Hill School District and later at Hallmark in Derby, where her love for decorating, crafts, and little treasures found a perfect home. She had a gift for finding beauty in the small things-knickknacks, seasonal décor, and the joy of creating a cozy, welcoming space for her loved ones.
Susi and David enjoyed a simple, happy life together-bowling nights, yearly casino trips, and quiet evenings at home filled with laughter and companionship. Her faith was a steady part of her life as well; she was an active and loving member of the Rose Hill United Methodist Church, where she found deep community and friendship.
A true cat lover, Susi always had a furry companion or two nearby. Her kindness extended even to the strays-one summer, not long after moving to Rose Hill, she and David found themselves caring for twenty kittens in their garage, and Susi's heart was full the whole time.
Susi will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and her ability to make everyone around her feel loved and welcome. Her devotion to her family, her gentle strength, and her genuine kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
She is survived by her devoted husband, David Marshall; sons, Eric Clinton Marshall and David Owen Marshall; brothers, Rick Holbrook and Terry Holbrook; her beloved cats; and many dear friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Betty Holbrook.
Susi's life was a reflection of love-love for her family, her faith, her home, and all the small joys that make life beautiful. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Wichita Animal Action League, Tunnel to Towers.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Donna "Susi" Sue Marshall, please click here to visit our sympathy store.